When arranged in close proximity to one another, a pair of H-type wind turbines creates a synergistic effect, which we’ve titled the “Coupled Vortex Effect.” They increase wind speeds through their own and their neighbors’ rotors and enhance aerodynamic efficiency. This physical phenomenon was discovered, proved, and patented by Wind Harvest Co-Founder Bob Thomas. Field data followed by computer modeling and analysis showed that the coupled vortex effect could increase the turbine’s efficiency by ~20%.

Field Data

Thomas and his team gathered the field data through a three-turbine array in 2001 and 2002. They installed the three Windstar 530G turbines in the highly energetic wind farms of San Gorgonio Wind Resource Area in California. First, they installed a single turbine that operated through a range of wind speeds, modeling the typical operation of the turbine. After one year of data collection, they installed two additional turbines one meter away on either side of T1, labeled T2 and T3. They measured the average daily power of T1 for each wind speed. As they tabulated the data, it became apparent that there was a significant increase in energy capture with the array configuration.

Computer Modeling

Drs. Ion and Marius Paraschivoiu, renowned aerodynamic modelers, and their team at IOPARA Inc, used the data from the three Windstar 530G turbines to model the Coupled Vortex Effect (CVE). IOPARA’s analysis corroborated Thomas’ field data, finding “excellent agreement” between it and their modeling results.

IOPARA conducted additional modeling and analysis with grant funding from the California Energy Commission in 2010. Their primary finding was that while lower solidity turbines (like the modern Wind Harvesters) reduce the Coupled Vortex Effect, it will still benefit their output by ~20%.

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